Before Your First Visit to Big Spring Correctional Institution: A Practical Checklist

Before you plan a visit to Big Spring Correctional Institution, two things need to be in place: the person you're visiting has put you on their approved visiting list, and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has cleared you. If either piece is missing, you'll be turned away at the door. This approval step can take time. If your loved one is new to the facility or recently transferred, they may not have finished setting up their visiting list yet. The institution may also need to confirm your suitability as a visitor, which can include law enforcement inquiries or other checks to make sure your visit wouldn't create a security or management concern. Expect to complete BOP visitor paperwork as part of the process. The best way to avoid surprises? Ask your loved one to confirm you're on the list and let you know if the institution has requested any forms or additional information from you.

Even if you're approved, call the prison ahead of time to make sure your planned visit will actually happen that day. Schedules and permissions can shift, and a quick phone call can save you a long drive and a frustrating turn-around at the door. When you call, ask the practical stuff: Is visiting running as normal? Are there any temporary restrictions? What do they expect at check-in? If this is your first visit, confirm what you should have with you when you arrive. Call Big Spring Correctional Institution directly (editor: insert verified phone number here).

Dress Code

• ✓ Dress like you would for a large public family event, conservative and simple.
• ✓ Avoid revealing or provocative clothing. It can get you denied visitation.
• ✓ Skip revealing shorts, miniskirts, or skirts more than two inches above the knee.
• ✓ Do not wear halter tops, crop tops, low-cut blouses or dresses, backless tops, or sleeveless garments.
• ✓ Avoid see-through garments of any type, leotards, and spandex.
• ✓ Do not wear bathing suits.
• ✓ Leave hats or caps at home.
• ✓ Avoid clothing that looks like inmate clothing (for example, khaki or green military-type clothing).

Plan for limited physical contact. In most cases, you can share a handshake, hug, or brief kiss (in good taste) at the beginning and end of the visit. Beyond that, expect staff to keep contact to a minimum. Officers may restrict physical contact for security reasons, including preventing contraband and keeping the visiting area orderly. Follow staff instructions in the moment, even if the rules feel strict. The visiting room officer has the final say on what's permitted during the visit.

By law, an inmate is entitled to at least four hours of visiting time per month. Many institutions offer more than that, but the actual schedule and any added limits are set at the facility level. Your best move is still to confirm details before you travel.

Final Pretrip Checklist

• ✓ Confirm your loved one has placed you on their approved visiting list.
• ✓ Confirm you have been cleared by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), including any required visitor forms or suitability checks.
• ✓ Call the institution ahead of time to ensure your planned visit will be permitted (editor: insert verified Big Spring phone number here).
• ✓ Dress conservatively. Avoid revealing or provocative clothing so you are not denied at the door.
• ✓ Expect physical contact (if allowed) to be limited to brief greetings and goodbyes.
• ✓ Keep your expectations realistic. By law, there is at least four hours of visiting time per month, but the facility may offer more or apply additional limits.
• ✓ Editor: verify and insert Big Spring Correctional Institution visiting hours and check-in location. Do not publish until those local details are confirmed.